Without Tim Duncan and facing a dangerously brash Lakers squad, San Antonio found a way to get the W in LA.

Timmy was in street clothes, out with a chest contusion, and the shots weren't falling early on, but San Antonio found a way to get the win against a scrappy Lakers team that already surprised the Clippers in their season-opener.

Boris Diaw left a big, pear-shaped imprint on the game -- even though his numbers won't show it nearly enough. All 14 of his points came in the second half, where the team ran their offense through Diaw on the block. The Frenchman used his substantial circumference to back down his defender, often commanding double teams and leading to baskets for teammates. He also provided the biggest play of the game, knocking down a three-pointer that put the Spurs up 85-81 with under two minutes left.

Manu and Tony also played big parts in the win, going for 20 and 24 points on a combined 19 of 32 shooting from the field. Tony hit multiple contested jumpers -- including one off a jump-ball when the game was tied at 80 as the shot clock was winding down. Neither Nash (who played little in the second half) nor Blake could contain Parker, who had just one turnover for the game.